Definition
A waypoint on an instrument procedure chart that the aircraft must cross directly overhead before beginning a turn or transitioning to the next leg. Depicted on charts by a four-pointed star enclosed within a circle, distinguishing it from a fly-by waypoint, which permits the aircraft to begin the turn before reaching the point.
Plain English
A point on a chart that you must fly directly over before turning. You are not allowed to cut the corner early -- you cross the point first, then turn.
Context Anchor
Seen on departure and arrival procedure chart legends, especially where the chart is showing how to follow a route through specific named points.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft follows the published path for obstacle clearance and ATC separation.
Intuition Check
Do not read “flyover” as just passing near a point on the route. In this context, it means cross the point first, then make the next turn or course change.
Example Sentence 1
The departure procedure designates JOLLI as a flyover point, so the crew continued straight ahead until directly over the fix before commencing the right turn on course.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots identify the flyover point on the chart to confirm they overfly it prior to starting the turn.